280mph SSC Tuatara confirmed for Pebble Beach

American hypercar returns (again), this time with the production world speed record in its sights

For those thinking that the name 'SSC Tuatara' sounds awfully familiar, then you're correct: the car first appeared back in 2011. And, well, not a great deal ever since. However, Shelby SuperCars are a perseverant bunch, and will publically unveil its new Tuatara at Pebble Beach later this month.

"Years of methodical engineering applied to the Tuatara will be revealed in the unparalleled performance, driver experience and striking presence of the car," is what SSC has revealed thus far, the finished vehicle only shown at the moment in very shady teaser images. The white car you see is as the Tuatara looked in 2011.

The most interesting claim issued by SSC, though, is the assertion that this car will "easily surpass" the 278mph world speed record set by the Koenigsegg Agera RS in 2017. Once upon a time the Tuatara had 1,350hp, a figure it would seem has to rise to vanquish the 1,360hp, 1,360kg Agera RS. However, we'll have to wait until the end of August for confirmation of the vitals.

Anything else? Not much for now, the promises of an 'unmatched drag coefficient' and 'track-level handling characteristics' about your lot for the pre-reveal tease. The date for SSC to whip the covers off is believed to be August 24, so expect more news in a couple of weeks. Does Koenigsegg really stand to lose its hard fought top speed crown?

P.H. O'meter

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